John C. Woltz, Australian Resident and Navy Veteran, Dies at 82

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John C. Woltz, an 82-year-old resident of Brisbane, Australia, passed away on February 21, 2026. Woltz was born in Algona, Iowa in 1943 and grew up in Iowa and Minnesota, graduating from Chosen Valley High School in Chatfield, Minnesota in 1962. After serving in the Navy, Woltz moved to Australia where he met his wife Anne and raised a family.

Why it matters

Woltz's life story reflects the increasing global mobility of people in the modern era, as he was born in the Midwest United States but spent the majority of his adult life living and working in Australia. His passing marks the end of an era for his family and the communities he was a part of in both countries.

The details

In addition to his wife Anne, Woltz is survived by his daughter Kate, two grandsons, five sons, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Prior to moving to Australia, Woltz played guitar with his sister Jackie in the Rochester, Minnesota area and was an avid explorer of caves in Minnesota. After leaving the Navy, he lived in Sydney and Melbourne before settling in Brisbane, where he worked in the computer industry and taught young children computer skills.

• John C. Woltz was born on November 30, 1943 in Algona, Iowa.
• Woltz graduated from Chosen Valley High School in Chatfield, Minnesota in 1962.
• Woltz passed away on February 21, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia.